Introduction

by Vicki Boxell.

My background is in Permaculture and horticulture with an organic focus. I've been gardening in Fremantle for a long time now, and seen what survives through summer with minimal watering.

For over 15 years I've collected notes here and there about plants that are useful in more than one way and that are likely to be able to grow here with some forethought and preparation. This collection is not all unusual plants; many are common food plants. Some of them are tasty and drought tolerant plants that are little known in Perth.

Some are quite common, even weedy, but weeds are an important part of the urban landscape. They can tell us about the soil's health or lack of it, and some can provide food in hard times.

Some folk forage in the suburbs for edible weeds and wild fruit, their faces red in mulberry season, or picking grapes in summer from abandoned vines.

Other plants are in here to encourage and feed beneficial insects, including pollinators and predators. They are an important part of how healthy our gardens are.

I haven't grown every plant in this collection; I have included some that could be useful in our climate and soil.

I also include a few that should be grown where there is an opportunity, because they are useful or rare. Some I just like the sound of and I would grow them if I had the room or knew I could stay around for a hundred years to see it grow up!!

Long-living plants often don't stand much chance with properties changing hands all the time, urban infill and not enough people into growing family trees...pecans, olives, almonds, etc.

I have tried to advise if anything is especially particular about soil pH and given solutions where I am able. Most plants in here prefer or easily tolerate our alkaline sands.

Fremantle and Swan Coastal Plain soils.

The sandy nature of the Swan Coastal Plain throws up some interesting challenges to the home gardener, and permaculturists are always keen to share a bit of knowledge. There are ancient sands along these coasts where we live and they are deficient in most important minerals.

Improve the nutrient range by adding minerals and vary the kinds of manures and compost that you use. Only by adding it can you be sure it is there. Cow manure is especially good for the most coastal of sands.

Different things work for different folk. Permaculture design applies to the garden for your needs and location. A lot of knowledge about gardening can be shared but some is learnt from living in a place and observing the changes of the seasons and the years. We need strategies to help gardens survive in our summers, and hopefully what I have learnt will be of use to others.

Happy gardening, and don't forget your hat.

Vicki May, 2006.